Painting Timber and Canvas with Chalk Effects!
Project by Selena from @selenastyledesigns
Watch here: WATCH
Growing up, this tallboy was a staple in Selena's childhood home, solid and sturdy – the kind of furniture that lasts a lifetime but....it was in need of a facelift. With a little creativity (and the right paint), Selena was able to breathe new life into this old piece and give it a modern, stylish twist.
![]()
Step 1: Prep
Selena started by sanding back the glossy finish on the timber top to reveal the beautiful natural grain beneath. This gave the perfect base for a soft, contemporary finish.
Step 2: Paint
Selena painted this piece using mezzie + frank chalk effects paint in the colours 'Eucalyptus' and 'King Island'.
Eucalyptus was used for the body - this soft green is calming, earthy, and instantly made the tallboy feel lighter and fresher.
Read up on chalk effects application here.
For the top, Selena used King Island, diluted as a gentle paint wash. This allowed the natural knots and wood grain to peek through, adding warmth and character.
Read up on how to make and apply a paint wash here.
Step 3: Seal
Once the paint was dry, Selena finished the piece with Gilly's Australia Hemp Oil. Leaving a lovely, silky finish that enhances the natural beauty of the grain.
Step 4: Finishing touch
To elevate the look, Selena swapped out the dated timber knobs for chic round ones with a gold rim and pale centre. This small change made a huge difference – instantly more modern and polished.
But Selena didn't stop there...
A furniture refresh this good deserved some stylish company! Selena grabbed a budget-friendly framed canvas, sketched out an abstract design, and mixed King Island with joint compound to create texture. Once dry, the smooth sections were painted in Eucalyptus, tying the artwork back to the tallboy.
The result? A bespoke piece of art that perfectly complements the furniture – all on a budget.
If you’ve got an old tallboy or dresser gathering dust, don’t overlook its potential. With chalk effects paint, a little patience, and some creativity, you can give it a whole new lease on life.
